The World’s Most Powerful Hydrogen Engine

At the heart of India’s green hydrogen train revolution is its indigenously developed hydrogen engine. Capable of delivering 1200 horsepower, this engine far surpasses global standards, with most hydrogen engines operating at 500 to 600 horsepower. Designed by the Research, Design, and Standard Organisation (RDSO) in Lucknow, this powerful locomotive offers a glimpse into India’s innovative approach to overcoming the challenges posed by varied terrains in rail travel. The RDSO’s efforts ensure that this engine’s performance is both reliable and scalable for broader applications.

“Hydrogen for Heritage” Pilot Project

In 2023, the Indian government unveiled the “Hydrogen for Heritage” project, an initiative that seeks to integrate hydrogen fuel cell trains into India’s heritage and hill routes. The 2023-24 Union Budget has allocated ₹2,800 crore to develop 35 hydrogen-powered trains, with an additional ₹600 crore earmarked for the supporting infrastructure. The project’s first phase will include retrofitting existing Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains with green hydrogen fuel cells, a move that is set to revolutionize the way trains are powered in these scenic, often hard-to-reach areas.

The first trial of this hydrogen-powered DEMU train is expected to take place in March 2025 along the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana. The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai is currently manufacturing the coaches for this pilot train, while infrastructure firms work on setting up the refueling systems and related ground-level infrastructure. With Jhajjar district in Haryana already home to a 1 MW electrolyser plant, the region is poised to supply the green hydrogen needed to fuel these trains, producing around 420 kilograms of hydrogen per day.

The Economics of Hydrogen Trains: Long-Term Benefits

While the initial costs of implementing hydrogen-powered trains might seem high due to the need for advanced technology, green hydrogen production, and new infrastructure, the long-term benefits promise to be substantial. Hydrogen-powered trains offer significant environmental advantages, particularly in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting down on carbon emissions. Additionally, these trains do not require electrified tracks, making them a cost-effective solution for non-electrified routes where the installation of overhead cables would be expensive and time-consuming.

Experts believe that once large-scale operations are in full swing, the costs of producing and using green hydrogen will decrease, making it an even more viable option for the Indian Railways. These efficiencies will result in a more sustainable and economically attractive rail system in the long run.

Aligning with India’s Green Hydrogen Mission

The hydrogen-powered train project is closely aligned with India’s broader National Green Hydrogen Mission, which was approved by the government in January 2023. This mission aims to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and achieve energy independence by 2047, with a focus on producing green hydrogen. With an initial budget of ₹19,744 crore, the mission seeks to bolster domestic green hydrogen production, support related pilot projects, and invest in R&D and infrastructure development.

India’s ambitious goal is to produce five million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, with the support of an expanded renewable energy ecosystem and green hydrogen hubs. The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a key element of India’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, positioning the country as a leader in clean energy initiatives.

Global Insights and India’s Vision

India’s move towards hydrogen-powered trains mirrors similar efforts being made globally. In Germany, Alstom’s Coradia iLint hydrogen-powered trains have been in commercial operation since 2018, setting a global standard for sustainable rail transport. Other countries like Canada, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and several European nations are also experimenting with hydrogen trains, reflecting a global shift towards cleaner rail options.

In addition, Siemens Mobility’s Mireo Plus H trains, which are capable of traveling up to 1200 kilometers, are already in use in regions like Berlin-Brandenburg and Bavaria. These international developments indicate a clear trend in rail transport towards hydrogen as a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel.

A Clean Path Forward for India

India’s hydrogen-powered train initiative is a bold step towards a more sustainable and efficient future. The successful implementation of this project will not only reduce the country’s carbon footprint but also help it move closer to its goals of energy independence and net-zero emissions.

As trial runs along the Jind-Sonipat route and other parts of India begin, the country is poised to set a new global benchmark for eco-friendly transportation. With ongoing investments in technology, infrastructure, and local manufacturing, India’s green hydrogen-powered trains could lead the way in transforming the global rail industry, ensuring that future generations enjoy a cleaner, more sustainable transport system.

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Completed on January 9, 2025, the bridge sits between the Anand and Ahmedabad bullet train stations. The construction of the bridge employed the Balanced Cantilever Method, a technique typically used for spans of this size. According to the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Ltd., the bridge is composed of 72 precast segments and has four spans with the following configuration: 40 meters + 65 meters + 65 meters + 40 meters.

This achievement is a part of the ongoing development of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project. Significant progress has been made across various components, including the completion of 253 kilometers of viaduct work, 290 kilometers of girder casting, and 358 kilometers of pier construction. Additionally, several bridges have been built, including 13 over rivers and five steel bridges.

The project also includes extensive noise barrier installation, covering approximately 112 kilometers, and track construction has already begun in multiple locations across Gujarat. In Maharashtra, the construction of a 21-kilometer tunnel between Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) and Thane is underway. Additionally, the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) is being used to develop seven mountain tunnels in Palghar district. One tunnel has already been completed in Valsad district, Gujarat.

The MAHSR project, which passes through the rapidly growing states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, will connect major business hubs such as Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, and Ahmedabad. According to a feasibility study conducted by JICA, the project’s Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) is estimated at 11.8%, underscoring its significant potential for economic impact.

With each passing day, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project inches closer to transforming the transportation landscape between two of India’s most important economic centers.

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